Before We Pressed Start

Enjoying the show? Support it here. Before games taught us how to play, there were instruction manuals. Folded inside the box, they were more than just guides to the controls. They introduced us to new worlds, told stories, shared artwork, and built excitement long before we ever pressed the Start button. In Episode 7 of Artifacts, Danny Brown explores why video game manuals became such an important part of growing up for a generation of players. From reading them in the car on the way home to studying every screenshot before finally getting to play, these little booklets sparked imagination in ways that today's instant downloads rarely can. But this isn't really a story about instruction manuals. It's about anticipation, imagination, and a time when discovering a new world began on paper before it ever appeared on a screen. Because sometimes the objects fade. But the feeling doesn’t. Get Involved If you enjoy Artifacts, you can support it with either a one-off tip, or become a monthly Archivist. No commitment - just a simple way to say thanks. Show your support here. If you enjoy the show, I'd love for you to leave a rating or review on your favourite podcast app! And please let your friends know they can listen for free on Apple Podcasts or their preferred podcast app, or online at Artifacts Podcast. Products I Use for Artifacts Note: these may contain affiliate links, so I get a small percentage of any product you buy when using my link. My equipment: RODE NT1-A large diaphragm condenser mic Rodecaster Pro II audio production studio Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor Headphones Elgato Wave Mic Arm Low Profile Recommended resources: Captivate.fm podcast hosting, distribution, analytics, and monetization Hindenburg Pro recording and editing Auphonic mastering tool for audio post production Beehiiv email marketing